Render

Rendering is the computational process of converting a video project's timeline — with all its clips, effects, transitions, color corrections, and graphics — into a single, continuous video file. During rendering, the software processes every frame, applying all the adjustments and compositing all the layers together. This can be a quick process for simple edits or an extremely time-consuming one for complex projects with heavy visual effects.

Render times depend on several factors: the complexity of effects applied, the resolution and frame rate of the output, the codec used for export, and the computer's hardware capabilities. GPU-accelerated rendering has become standard in modern software, dramatically reducing render times for tasks like color grading and effects processing. Some studios use render farms — networks of computers working in parallel — for extremely demanding projects.

In production workflows, rendering happens at multiple stages. Preview renders allow editors to play back complex sections smoothly during editing. Final renders produce the deliverable files. Smart rendering or background rendering allows editors to continue working while the computer processes in the background. Understanding render requirements helps in planning realistic production timelines, especially for projects involving extensive visual effects or motion graphics.